World in Focus

December 25, 2012 7:39 PM

Photo: Sergei Chuzavkov/Associated Press

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A competitor dressed up as Santa Claus jumps into the sea during the 103rd Barcelona Traditional Christmas Swimming Cup at the Old Harbour of Barcelona on December 25, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. The Copa Nadal is organised by the Barcelona Swimming Club and involves competitors swimming across some 200 metres of water in the harbour. Launched in 1908 the event has only been suspended three times when the Spanish Civil War interrupted proceedings between 1936 and 1938. less

A competitor dressed up as Santa Claus jumps into the sea during the 103rd Barcelona Traditional Christmas Swimming Cup at the Old Harbour of Barcelona on December 25, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. The Copa Nadal ... more

Photo: David Ramos, Getty Images

A competitor dressed up as Santa Claus jumps into the sea during... Photo-3943813.54347 - SFGate

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People attend a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in Minsk, on December 25, 2012.

People attend a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in Minsk, on December 25, 2012.

Photo: Viktor Drachev, AFP/Getty Images

People attend a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in Minsk,... Photo-3943815.54347 - SFGate

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A child dressed in Santa Claus clothes walks during Christmas prayers at the Saint Mary's Garrison Church in Jammu, India, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Although Christians comprise only two percent of the population Christmas is a national holiday and is observed across the country as an occasion to celebrate. less

A child dressed in Santa Claus clothes walks during Christmas prayers at the Saint Mary's Garrison Church in Jammu, India, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Although Christians comprise only two percent of the population ... more

An Indian Muslim vendor sells balloons in front of St Joseph Cathedral during Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad, India, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Although Christians comprise only two percent of the population Christmas is a national holiday and is observed across the country as an occasion to celebrate. less

An Indian Muslim vendor sells balloons in front of St Joseph Cathedral during Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad, India, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Although Christians comprise only two percent of the ... more

Pakistani Christians offer prayers during a Christmas mass at Saint Antony's Church in Lahore on December 25, 2012. Pakistan is overwhelmingly Muslim and at around two percent of the population, Christians are among the country's most marginalised citizens. less

Pakistani Christians offer prayers during a Christmas mass at Saint Antony's Church in Lahore on December 25, 2012. Pakistan is overwhelmingly Muslim and at around two percent of the population, Christians are ... more

A sexton collects candles during a Christmas mass in the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky cathedral in central Sofia on December 25, 2012. Bulgaria, unlike some other fellow Orthodox countries, celebrates Christmas on December 25. less

A sexton collects candles during a Christmas mass in the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky cathedral in central Sofia on December 25, 2012. Bulgaria, unlike some other fellow Orthodox countries, celebrates ... more

Photo: Nikolay Doychinov, AFP/Getty Images

A sexton collects candles during a Christmas mass in the... Photo-3943817.54347 - SFGate

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Relatives of Indian policeman Subash Tomar mourn during his funeral in New Delhi on December 25, 2012. Tomar, a 47-year-old constable Indian policeman who was injured in clashes during a protest over a gang-rape in New Delhi has died. Tomar, a 47-year-old constable deployed at the India Gate monument on December 23 to control the protests, was beaten up by a mob and rushed to hospital by the police. less

Relatives of Indian policeman Subash Tomar mourn during his funeral in New Delhi on December 25, 2012. Tomar, a 47-year-old constable Indian policeman who was injured in clashes during a protest over a ... more

Photo: Sajjad Hussain, AFP/Getty Images

Relatives of Indian policeman Subash Tomar mourn during his funeral... Photo-3943819.54347 - SFGate

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A priest conducts a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in Minsk, on December 25, 2012.

A priest conducts a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in Minsk, on December 25, 2012.

Photo: Viktor Drachev, AFP/Getty Images

A priest conducts a Christmas service at a catholic cathedral in... Photo-3943816.54347 - SFGate

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Christian attend Christmas day mass in the Church of Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.

Christian attend Christmas day mass in the Church of Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.

Photo: Adel Hana, Associated Press

Christian attend Christmas day mass in the Church of Nativity,... Photo-3943357.54347 - SFGate

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Fireworks shoot off from a display full of firecrackers during an outdoor community Christmas "Parranda" in the village of Remedios, Cuba, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Remedios' "parrandas" evolved from a priest's attempt to attract residents to his Catholic church's Christmas Mass, and with time, it converted into the town's street party where residents compete in firework and Christmas displays. less

Fireworks shoot off from a display full of firecrackers during an outdoor community Christmas "Parranda" in the village of Remedios, Cuba, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Remedios' "parrandas" evolved from a ... more

Photo: Ismael Francisco, Associated Press

Fireworks shoot off from a display full of firecrackers during an... Photo-3943823.54347 - SFGate

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Pakistani Anusha Khalid, 4, dressed as a bride, poses for a picture at an outdoor Mass on Christmas Day, in a Christian neighborhood in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.

Pakistani Anusha Khalid, 4, dressed as a bride, poses for a picture at an outdoor Mass on Christmas Day, in a Christian neighborhood in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.